Wendy Wu Ecuador & The Galapagos Private Tour

• Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit of Bartolome Island’s volcanic cone
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Have lunch at an historic Incan fortress and monastery
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Fly to Quito, where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
(Breakfast)

Day 2: Galapagos Islands

Take a morning flight to Baltra Island and then a drive to the Itabaca Channel to board a ferry for Santa Cruz Island. After lunch, venture southward to Puerto Ayora on the coast, the largest town in the Galápagos archipelago. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Puerto Ayora’s bustling main street before setting sail and enjoying the Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 3: Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay

Start the day with a climb up the staircase that leads to the summit of Bartolome Island’s extinct volcanic cone, rewarded by the breathtaking panoramic view at the top. After the hike, embark on a panga ride (inflatable dinghies) around the impressive Pinnacle Rock, hoping to catch sight of Galapagos penguins and other fascinating wildlife. Next visit Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago Island, where a pristine white coral sand beach invites you to take a refreshing swim.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 4: Santa Cruz & Santiago Islands

Admire the captivating landscapes of Santa Cruz’s Dragon Hill as you disembark to enjoy a stroll by a brackish-water lagoon, a favoured haunt of shorebirds, ducks and flamingos. Move further inland for a unique opportunity to spot land iguanas before a snorkelling adventure on which you might encounter rays, green turtles, and sharks. After lunch, venture to the Santiago Islands and stop at Buccaneer Cove, which teems with marine birds, sea lions and inter-tidal organisms.
(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 5: Punta Vicente & Fernandina Island

Explore Punta Vicente Roca by dinghy, seeking out the abundant wildlife such as colonies of Galapagos fur seals, nesting sites of Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, and marine iguanas. Afterwards, sail the Bolivar Channel. Your final visit is to Fernandina Island, one of the youngest in the Galapagos archipelago and one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems. At Punta Espinoza, dominated by the island’s imposing volcano, look out for hawks, penguins, marine iguanas and the flightless cormorant, known for its entrancing blue eyes.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Guayaquil

Your journey ends at Baltra Island where you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil. On arrival you will be transfer to your hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 7: El Cajas National Park

Today as you journey towards Cuenca, you will explore one of Ecuador’s most extraordinary regions, El Cajas National Park. Here, you’ll find a range of habitats, including paramos, wetlands, Andean rainforest and polylepis forest which shelter over 40 mammal species and more than 150 bird species. Explore the area around the Llaviuco Lagoon and wander through a stretch of enchanting Andean rainforest, listening out for the melodious calls of Andean toucans. Continue to Cuenca.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Cuenca Old Town

Discover Cuenca on a full-day journey through this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City. Begin with a panoramic view from the Turi Lookout and explore the historic heart at Parque Calderón. Wander through one of the Americas most beautiful historic centres, marvelling at architectural gems like the Old and New Cathedrals. Explore along the Tomebamba River, discovering lush green spaces, iconic craftsmanship, and warm hospitality as you go.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Cuenca Ingapirca

Begin today exploring the Pumapungo Museum, the sole archaeological site nestled within the city, where Cañari and Inca settlements once thrived. This is the perfect introduction to today’s centrepiece, Ingapirca, Ecuador’s paramount Inca archaeological site. This extraordinary complex of weathered stones nestled amidst rolling hills, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Inca Empire. Fly to Quito this evening.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Cotopaxi

Explore Cotopaxi National Park, strolling through a pine forest before marvelling at the snow-capped Volcano Cotopaxi and its reflection in Limpiopungo Lake, which is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Head to Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, a historic Incan fortress and Augustinian monastery, for a meal amidst Inca masonry and a friendly encounter with llamas in the courtyard. Next visit Vunka Vodka factory, a family-owned distillery offering a unique vodka tasting experience. Sample a variety of flavoured Ecuadorian vodkas, including Andean Potato Vodka, crafted from organic Andean potatoes.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Quito Cultural Tour

Experience this UNESCO World Heritage city, beginning at the Panecillo, where you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas and encounter the iconic Virgin of Quito statue. Explore the vibrant San Roque neighbourhood, visit markets, meet a medicinal healer, and discover local artisans. Stroll through Independence Square, visit iconic churches, and explore the Casa del Alabado Museum with ancient artifacts. Wander La Ronda street for artisanal shops and local eateries and end the day with a delightful chocolate tasting at Chez Tiff.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Days 12-13: Depart Quito

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, arriving the next day.
(Breakfast)

Spend 7nts in hotels, and 4nts aboard the Isabella II yacht in the Galapagos

• International flights
• Domestic transportation
• 7nts hotel accommodation
• 4nts cruise
• Selected Meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 11 dinners
• Sightseeing, guides and lectures in English
• Luggage handling
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Private Tour

A private tour follows a pre-defined itinerary but with the benefits of your own personal guide. Perfect for couples and families that want greater flexibility on when they travel and the style of accommodation. Most of our group tours can operate on a private basis.

Private tours are available for groups of between 2 and 8 people.

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.